Ride to help terror victims in Israel

TORONTO — Even when the missiles are not falling in Israel and the sirens are silent, terror’s grip can still be felt – and its devastating effects can last a lifetime.

In Israel today, there are more than 10,000 victims of terror, many of whom suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. They are bereaved parents, widows and widowers, orphans and children who have lost siblings and parents. But the resilience of the Jewish People and their belief that every life is valued led to the creation in 2002 of One Family Fund, to help terror victims overcome the many challenges they face and return to life.

The 8th Annual Team One Family Fund 50-k Ride takes place on Sunday, June 24 in Toronto, to raise funds to help terror victims (optional 100-k and 100-mile routes are also available).

This year’s ride, which is hosted by Zareinu Educational Centre, starts at Holy Trinity School, 11300 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, and follows a scenic route through Durham County. All registrants will receive an $18 Pickle Barrel gift certificate and a Louis Garneau bike jersey. Participants who raise the minimum $1,000 for One Family Fund will be entered into a draw to win a $1,500 credit toward any bike in the Louis Garneau store and receive a free spring tune-up at Cyclepath Norco, 2106 Yonge St.

The One Family Ride took place up north in Stouffville in past years, but this year, One Family is entering a team in the Zareinu Ride to raise money for child victims of terror in Israel.

“This relationship seemed to be a natural fit because Zareinu is committed to helping children with special needs locally, while One Family helps child terror victims in Israel,” said Michael Rosen, director of special events for One Family Fund Canada.

“This year’s ride will honour the memory of more than 75 murdered children while raising much-needed funds to continue One Family’s work supporting thousands of injured and bereaved families, maimed and traumatized youth and young adults in 2012,” Jonathan Latsky, one of the ride’s co-chairs, said.